MURRAY Downs resident Robert Crawford has raised more than $1400 for the Swan Hill District Health Service by opening his home to display his Christmas village decoration collection.
Mr Crawford began collecting Christmas village decorations more than 25 years ago and has bought new pieces each year.
His Christmas village has grown to such an extent he has built a special room to permanently display his trains, carousels, houses and figurines.
The collection is so extensive that it would take about two months to set it up without its permanent base.
He loves sharing his passion.
After urging from friends and family, Mr Crawford added a donation entry to raise money for SHDHS, which will go towards its new MRI machine.
Mr Crawford said he was very happy with the attendance, and there was a really great spirit and joy of Christmas.
“It is the first time I have taken donations for entries,” Mr Crawford said.
“People were happy to give a donation, some would arrive not realising it was a donation and would apologise, and I said that it was only voluntary.
“They would come back the next night and put some money in.
“People were putting $20 and $50 donations in, I was just expecting gold coins.”
Mr Crawford already has his eye to this year with new additions already ordered.
He is seeking help from anyone with good knowledge of model railways as he is experiencing difficulty keeping the power consistent around the layout.
